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About the Author

Lori Palatnik is a writer and Jewish educator who has appeared on television and radio. She is the Founding Director of The Jewish Women's Renaissance Project, an international initiative that brings thousands of women to Israel each year from 18 different countries on highly subsidized programs to inspire them with the beauty and wisdom of their heritage (www.jwrp.org). She is a much sought-after international speaker, having lectured in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Central America, South America, South Africa and Israel, including featured talks at Yale, Brown and Penn. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area with her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik, and is the busy mother of five children, ages 25 to 15.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 24

(24)
Ora,
January 24, 2009 10:23 AM

its difficult to stop being angry with G-d

I think this is a great video. Maybe Lori will make a second part, dealing with how to move on from your anger with G-d.
Similar to other people here, I have had a number of negative events that made me feel angry with G-d. However, it sort of reached a peak with me a couple of years ago, where I felt the balance in my heart shift, I still believe in G-d but it is now affected by a distinct bitterness. I generally enjoy daily life but each time G-d does something upsetting its like that whole bitter relationship comes back again. I feel no true love, affection or natural respect for Him. I am sure He has created these ideas in me for a reason, because I am a social theorist, but I wondered if Lori had any perspective on this... ,) ps I love Lori Almost Live, what a rich, joyous and visibly warm contribution she makes :)

(23)
Anonymous,
October 27, 2008 7:32 PM

you just dont get it

I had breast cancer last year, I did chemo and radiotherapy, and I began to pray and pray, I now pray the evening prayers(maariv) every night before I go to sleep. In my morning prayers I read the words like I never did before. They are such beautiful words, it gives you such strength, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that what happened to me was because G-d wanted me to get closer to him. My life has changed so much (for the better) I worry so much less about things that can happen. I just tell myself "I am being delayed because G-d is protecting me from something". If I am in a terrible situation I stop everything and grab my tehilim (psalms). I try to help people as much as I can. Never hurt people's feelings. This is why G-d sends such terrible punishments. It's appalling how people treat each other. There is nothing on earth that feels more wonderful than the fact
that G-d is next to you helping you every step of the way. But to get there
you have to open you eyes and see the
wonderful things going on around you.
Hope things work out for all of you.

(22)
BJ,
October 17, 2008 10:29 PM

Can God be angry at us?

Because i believe there is God, he is controlling our life, then is there any thing called Karma eisting? does it hount us all life? even if we are set right with HIM? I don't wanna join the estheist any way. HE is always right!

(21)
tova wald,
October 15, 2008 2:23 AM

NO G-D????

Dear Avi (20)
I was distressed and in disbelief to find your comment as it were directly above mine!!! You have a special name, "My Father." There is a BIG difference when someone is "angry"--temporarily-- at G-d Who exists for him. There is "no anger" against G-d where one does "not believe in Him?"
We, the Jewish People, are all starting a New Year, afresh. Forget what you think and wrote about G-d. Look at yourself and all around you--and see G-d's miracles. Don't be mistaken...you can find G-d and your belief. As you will get closer to G-d, He will get closer to you and give you strength and courage. G-d is our "Mutual Father." Our Creator Whom we should not deny or forget. Even though you say personally you do not believe in G-d, I hope G-d will bless you and all of us collectively for a Good Healthy New Year.

(20)
Avi,
October 10, 2008 11:28 AM

dont believe in God

Angry at God ? I am not angry at anyone. I just dont believe in God. Why is it any better to be angry at God then not believe in him.

(19)
tova wald,
October 8, 2008 3:23 AM

How to cope

I don't know if "anger" with anyone and certainly with G-d can be resolved on any level. Its natural to feel initial anger about something that has happened to us, but we have to resolve it quickly and cope. This often has to be done on a daily basis where people live with major disabilities. If we don't we can become depressed, psychotic, and affect our families and loved ones. There is a Aish video "In the Blink of an Eye" which trully illustrates this. No doubt many have viewed it. Suffering from Lou Gehrig disease this man with the blinking only of his eyes has been able to write an impressive number of books on Judaic topics. At the end he says "Choose Life!!!" There are other videos and loads of articles to give encouragement and "chizuk." Aish HaTorah has done outstanding exemplary work and should be greatly rewarded for this service. Support them in every way. Also reach out to people with problems, difficulties. You may have the opportunity to brighten their lives showing you care! Make this one of the priorities for the New Year.
To everyone a Gemar Chatima Tova. Please G-d bring Peace to Jerusalem and Am Israel.

(18)
moshe,
October 8, 2008 12:01 AM

I understand your point but i just hope it doesn't confuse your listeners. It isn't right to be angry at g-d, because all g-d does is for your best- we just can't see it. It definitely is better to be angry than not believe but one of the comments above said that "i hope to be able to one day "forgive g-d"- which is totally absurd!- the message is that g-d is all good in all his ways forever, not that it is right and just to be angry with g-d!

(17)
Roxanne(goy),
October 7, 2008 10:04 PM

Yep.

Had it out with G-d right before Yom Kippur. Obviously, since this article was in my e-mail tonight, Someone listened. B'H......

(16)
yossi,
October 7, 2008 6:48 PM

"god doesnt make mistakes....."

"...things happen for a reason". Lori, do you really think your in a position to preach about god's master plan? to people who have experienced real tragedy in their lives?? have you ever experienced real tragedy in your life and attributed it to god's maser plan??

(15)
andrew,
October 7, 2008 4:47 PM

Dillards´s comment

Lori:
You are a exceptional jew woman. Please, see Dllards's comment. Do Tzedaka in this time. Give some words to help in that great suffering.

(14)
Lida,
October 7, 2008 4:06 PM

such a relief to know that is o k to be angry with God.thank you

(13)
Dillard,
October 5, 2008 11:14 PM

Forgiving G.d. even though he does not need it...

I know that I am angry at G.d. I have 3 autistic boys. I am disabled. I hurt my back in the military. My life is chaotic. It is difficult for me to just relax and let it go. So, one day, I pray that I will be able to forgive G.d. and move on.

(12)
alan,
October 5, 2008 4:38 PM

thank you

I never knew that someone else also believed that it was o.k. to be angry with God.
I was ,many years ago when my father was so terminally ill. I was angry with God because he would not make a deal with me.
It took quite a while for me to learn that God does not make deals. He does what is necessary even if the reason is not clear to us at the time.
But this I did learn,God makes everything even eventually, not matter how long it may take, and then we can see the reason.
Thank you again so much
Alan

(11)
Chaya S.,
October 5, 2008 3:22 AM

what a good insight and a good message- thank you!

(10)
Laya,
October 4, 2008 10:05 PM

Yes!

I once read something like this from Rabbi Avraham Twersky in one of his books. I photocopied the page and gave it to two holocaust survivors who "denied" G.d. Twersky said that being mad at G.d is good because it means you're in relationship with G.d. And when something hard or terrible has happened, G.d understands!
Beautiful, Lori. Keep shining! <3

(9)
Anonymous,
October 4, 2008 8:33 PM

Not angry but attempting to learn

Thank you - good talk. Food for thought. We often don't choose the circumstances of our lives. We may not be angry with God because of them, but we're still stumbling around in the wilderness trying to pick up the trail He's intended. Maybe the delay and the struggle are His means to getting us on the right path.

(8)
Rosen,
October 3, 2008 9:01 AM

quick correction

To correct my questions regarding the reform and humanistic divisions of Judaism, I meant to say that many of them may feel that "you don't have to believe in G-d in order to be Jewish" (not the other way around).

(7)
Eliora,
October 2, 2008 6:10 PM

Thanks for the reminder!

Lori, I watch you every week and you stimulate a flow of thoughts about an issue for the week. This week however really got my heart glowing because I feel that so many people feel exactly as the boy you talked about. Anger IS a natural part of any relationship- it was wonderful to be reminded its okay to be angry in our most important relationship. Thank you Lori :)

(6)
Rosen,
October 2, 2008 5:27 PM

our infinite G-d

While G-d is understandably an infinite being, as opposed to a man or woman, many Jews in the reform and humanistic divisions of Judaism feel that "you don't have to be Jewish to believe in G-d". This is how while such Jews identify themselves as Jewish, they only happen to practice the cultural customs. Is it fair to say that humanistic and reform Jews are technically mad with G-d, even if they practice their Judaism ethnically and culturally? At least these kinds of Jews have some acknowledgement that G-d is universal and infinite, right?...No hard feelings to the reform and humanistic Jewish community! ,)

(5)
Dawn,
October 2, 2008 4:52 PM

I really needed to hear this!!!

After a horrible last few years I would have days where I would doubt the existance of any type of higher power to why would God allow this to happen. Great thing to find after diving through all the esoteric far - fetched junk on the net.

(4)
Yehoshua,
October 2, 2008 2:21 PM

"must reading"

Very good.And if anyone wants to really expand on this subject-- what life is really about, and that there are no mistakes on G-d's part, and nothing is random-- then you will want to read "THE GARDEN OF EMUNA," by Rabbi Shalom Arush. Read it little by little, and you will gain an authentic Jewish approach to faith and living skills. Any Jew, observant or not (as well as non- Jews) will undoubtably agree that this book has a lot to offer concerning the subject at hand.